Many accredited colleges offer graduate finance degrees, so consider Master of Finance rankings when choosing a program. A Master of Finance degree is a one-year graduate program that prepares students for careers in financial analysis, investment management and corporate finance. Admission is usually competitive and involves evaluation of your undergraduate record, GRE or GMAT test scores, letters of reference, and work experience.
Programs expect strong math skills or demonstrated ability to do quantitative work. Top-ranked programs receive many more applicants than they can accept and may require applications a year in advance. Other schools, including many top online Master of Finance degree programs, accept rolling admissions all year.
What To Look For in Master of Finance Rankings
A few publishers of college rankings, such as U.S. News & World Report, provide Master of Finance rankings to help prospective students evaluate schools based on standard criteria. Bloomberg Businessweek and other sources often combine finance and MBA rankings. While MBA reputation is a good indicator of the quality of finance courses, the programs are distinct, and you specifically should look for rankings of Master of Finance programs. These rankings evaluate the caliber of finance faculty, graduate success in obtaining finance positions or higher salary, and the quality and scope of finance training provided. Further, rankings divide programs by the types of students they serve: full-time, career, and those seeking online degrees. When researching Master of Finance rankings, be sure to evaluate the programs that match your educational and lifestyle needs. If you are considering online study, look for schools that are ranked by authorities such as U.S News & World Report, as online programs in general vary widely in quality and accreditation. The best Master of Finance programs teach finance in the context of modern global business and train students in specific analytical skills and methods. These degrees exist separately from the school’s general business options and are not simply concentrations within an MBA.
Examples of Master of Finance Rankings
The Financial Times ranks international Master of Finance programs on graduate salary and placement success, international opportunities, and faculty and student diversity. The 2012 rankings are divided into programs for traditional and employed students. Highly ranked U.S. schools include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Florida International University. If you’re considering international study, London Business School is one of the top choices. U.S News & World Report ranks the top finance programs on admissions selectivity, faculty qualifications, student engagement, and student services. Florida International University has an internationally-ranked program for working adults and holds courses on evenings and weekends. Tulane University offers a highly ranked traditional program as well as a track for working students, with both programs emphasizing an intimate learning environment and quality academics in the diverse Gulf Coast region. Indiana University’s well-ranked Kelley School of Business offers an online program that focuses on organizational financial management and promotes collaboration among faculty and students to maximize engagement and mentorship. Master of Finance rankings can help you decide which top options best fit your needs.
